Are Chipotle and Forever 21 – which have been accused in recent days of fleecing their patrons out of pennies – money-grubbing Scrooges or high-volume companies focused on efficiency?

After Chipotle was accused of rounding bills to the nearest 5-cent amount, the Mexican-style chain said the tactic was a time-saving measure used in especially busy stores. Because totals were adjusted both up and down, the company said it wasn’t making a profit off the practice.

But late last month, a class-action complaint was filed against Chipotle in federal court in California alleging that the chain “routinely overcharged” its customers.

Meanwhile, Miami lawyer Carolyn Kellman slapped Forever 21 with a lawsuit after she tried to get a refund for two items and was credited back a penny less than what she paid both times.

The suit, which seeks class-action status, focuses on a $14.46 pair of black denim shorts and an $11.57 black skirt. By the way, Kellman is a local fashionista (or maybe frugalista is more appropriate) who has been photographed wearing Christian Louboutin shoes and carrying a Balenciaga bag.

Some commenters lashed out at the companies for allegedly shortchanging the customers, with some Twitter users calling the practice “deceitful.”